Magnet School Staff Accountant

Description

The mission of Goodwin University is to educate a diverse student population in a dynamic environment that aligns education, commerce, and community. Our innovative programs of study prepare students for professional careers while promoting lifelong learning and civic responsibility. As a nurturing university community, we challenge students, faculty, staff, and administration to fully realize their highest academic, professional, and personal potential.
 

Position Description Summary/Purpose:

This position performs a broad array of business and financial functions related to the operation of all magnet schools owned and operated by Goodwin University. This position is responsible for the financial, accounting, and fiscal activities of the magnet schools. This position is on-site at Goodwin University.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Shares responsibility for the day-to-day accounting activities of all magnet schools owned and operated by Goodwin University.
• Performs various tasks associated with the month-end close while adhering to all internal deadlines.
• Responsible for ensuring that all journal entries are accurate, timely and in accordance with GAAP and CT State Department of Education (SDE) regulations.
• Shares responsibility for the daily cash accounting activities of the magnet schools, including balancing and reconciling all cash accounts in a consistent and timely manner.
• Works with magnet school staff to bill and record revenues associated with various billable programs.
• Assists in the reconciliation of amounts billed to amounts collected and communicating all aged balances to the appropriate program manager.
• Responsible for tracking revenues and expenditures by grant source.
• Responsible for fixed asset accounting and record keeping, including tracking construction spending.
• Accounts for and processes purchase orders/invoices for the magnet schools.
• Performs certain aspects of accounts payable processes for the magnet schools, including ensuring that policies and procedures related to internal controls are followed.
• Interacts with magnet school staff and management on a regular basis.
• Prepares and analyzes monthly operating expense reports relative to budgets for all magnet schools.
• Assists with preparation of operating grant applications to the CT SDE.
• Assists with the completion and submittal of all required fiscal reporting to the CT SDE.
• Assists in the preparation and analysis of financial records for all required audits.
• Prepares annual 1099 Statements for vendors in an accurate and timely manner, including timely reporting of 1099 income to the IRS.
• Makes deposits to bank accounts as needed (generally weekly, using personal vehicle, mileage reimbursed in accordance with Company policy).  
• Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed.

Other Functions

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends.
• The Magnet School System Staff Accountant reports to the Assistant Director of Finance and works with the Director of Magnet School Business Operations, various Magnet School office staff, as well as Goodwin University Finance Dept. employees.
• Occasional travel to storage facilities, school locations, training sessions and banks

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.
• Requires a working knowledge of basic financial statements.
• Must have excellent time management, communication, decision-making, human relations and organizational skills. 
• Must have the ability to multi-task and work independently.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office with a focus on Excel, and accounting software (Ellucian/Colleague accounting software experience a plus).
• Knowledge of state and federal reporting and records retention requirements preferred.
• Performs work within standard practices and procedures with review of progress or results by Assistant Director of Finance.
• Must be comfortable working with a diverse team of talented individuals across multiple operating entities.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or relevant business field of study preferred, with at least 1 year of relevant business experience strongly preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and insured vehicle.

Physical and Mental Requirements: 

Vision Requirements:

X Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

X Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

X Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

X Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or

left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

X Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and

spatial relationships)

___ No special vision requirements

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Employee & dependent life insurance
• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
• PTO program
• Flexible work schedules

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Goodwin University and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the University as the needs of the University and requirements of the job change.)